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The XVD Association – a call to renew, to re-organize and to re-commit. - I recently attended a meeting of some concerned, some so-called “pillars,” leaders and movers of this association and, although it was quite amusing, I was not particularly bemused. The Association started out oddly enough as a ragtag bunch of ex-seminarians of Christ the King Seminary (of the Society of the Divine Word, or SVD; hence the play on the acronym “XVD”), who apparently just couldn’t get over their basketball days and started “hanging out” at the covered courts of their old alma mater. Over the years it grew to become what would roughly be the equivalent of a vibrant alumni association or club with some regulars coming together for monthly, then weekly meetings, quarterly recollections, and a grand reunion at least once a year.
However, for all of what it has achieved, might or could have accomplished through the years, the XVD was beginning to show signs of wear-and-tear, battle-fatigue or plain boredom, lack of interest, or worse, disenchantment. Many of its old members were either dead or dying or too old or too tired, too proud – or worse, too cynical or disenchanted - to attend and participate, as they used to.
Hence, the meeting – to analyze the problem, and what to do. And when XVDs meet, it’s always a classic. It is a gathering of sages, great thinkers, philosophers, and theologians, of the kind that would do Aristotle and Pierre Teilhard de Chardain proud. Come to think of it, maybe, just maybe, that could be part of the problem right there. Just like a bunch of frustrated medical, law or engineering students and their so-called “dangerous little knowledge,” these frustrated priests, theologians, and religious leaders think the world should listen to them as repositories of great knowledge and wisdom.
The meetings are always lively, opinionated and never lacking in words. This is the XVD at his best. It’s just too bad they are not recorded since the gems of wisdoms spewed forth in those meetings are like the waters from a free-flowing well. There is simply no time to keep minutes of such meetings when hours are being spent in brilliant debate. It could very well be another case of paralysis by over-analysis.
For lack of a better term, I would simply refer to it as the “Chairman-of-the- Board syndrome.” Many XVDs, like most ex-seminarians, are schooled and steeped in philosophy and theology, much of which they had left in school. Hence, anytime they can be called upon to apply some of that knowledge in real, practical terms is always a welcome opportunity. Unlike a carpenter, a plumber, a mechanic, engineer or scientist, trained to do or accomplish an assigned task or project, most ex-seminarians wind up being frustrated theologians and philosophers who believe they are meant to be the thinkers, analyzers, and theoreticians of the world. Doing is for tradesmen and ditch-diggers. Ex-seminarians are born policy-makers. They deal in the abstract and ponder the intangibles. They make perfect members of the Board of Directors or chairpersons of some ad hoc committees. All the problems of the world are discussed. Every aspect of the problem is analyzed. But nothing gets done. Nothing moves.
It also seems to be the common problem of most enterprises and organizations which are dependent on purely voluntary effort. Nobody gets paid to do anything. Everything depends on goodwill, on well-meaning members with good intentions. Nobody is forced to do anything. Everything depends on heart, motivation and some other non-tangibles. It’s also becomes your proverbial “who will tie the bell around the cat’s neck?” Not me, say the mice, one by one. In the end, only the President-mouse is left doing everything, including clearing the table.
Quite often, the inevitable happens. The problem or project is referred to a committee. The Board will not be bothered with the mundane business of execution or implementation. That’s for ditch-diggers, the rank-and-file, thank you.
“I was hungry … and you formed a committee.” 1 James 101. I’ve heard it said that thought should be a guide to action, not a substitute for it.
Eventually, it seems the XVDs found another convenient solution. They would lay down the policies. They would decide on the projects to be undertaken and the rationale therefor. Then they would ask the XVDas (their wives) to execute or to implement the project. For a while, it seemed to work quite well. For a while, the wives it seems felt rather happy to be able to participate in what used to be just another old-boys’ club. Unfortunately, the women wised up … eventually. They realized that they were being taken for a ride, that the men were not being gender-sensitive, that they were being treated like mere clerks or secretaries.
What is it about the ex-seminarian that makes him think, over-analyze, rationalize, and then rebel and refuse to toe the line and be organized? What did they teach us in the seminary anyway? Cadets in the military are trained and taught to do battle, obey marching orders and fight (and die, if necessary) for country. Engineers build, architects draw up plans, doctors and medical students heal.
In the seminary, I learned how to swim, play ping pong, basketball, do manual labor (“opus manuale”), study and pass my “academic subjects.” I was taught that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” That community life requires rules and that rules are there for a reason and have to be obeyed. In brief, I believe I learned most everything that most high school students in other schools learn, except how to relate to or handle girls.
Most of all, I was taught how to think, to analyze, and yes, to philosophize and rationalize. And I passed with flying colors. But I think I failed in the most important aspect of seminary life. That’s why I’m an XVD and not an SVD. You see, I missed the point completely. Or, the Prefect failed to notice. I failed in Christianity, Christianity in real terms. I failed to develop any real, intimate relationship with and total commitment to Jesus Christ.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jn. 14:15.
If a military cadet learns to live and die for country, how is it that I failed to learn how to live and, if need be, to die for Christ? Should I be less committed than a suicide-bomber? One of these days I should talk to seminarians and tell them why I left the seminary. But that is not exactly the purpose of this particular blog. What I’m really trying to say is that the XVD can ill-afford to fail again in his commitment to the XVD mission-vision.
In fairness, much has been achieved by the XVDs, individually and collectively. We can never over-emphasize nor minimize the blood, sweat and tears that have been expended by some dedicated ones, mostly past presidents (and some other selfless individuals), just to keep the spirit of the XVD alive and to accomplish some short- term goals. However, there is no need at this time to recall such accomplishments. That’s for history to discover and to appreciate.
The need for the moment is to renew, to re-organize, and to re-commit ourselves to what, for one brief shining moment, we all thought to be some laudable XVD aims and objectives.
In particular, we will need a healthy number of XVDs to decide and to sign up as REGULAR members of the Association. In practical and real terms, that means at least a commitment (1) to pay reasonable annual membership dues; (2) to comply with attendance requirements at regular meetings, and (3) to do assigned committee work. (4) They will be required to attend the annual General Assembly where only they will have the right and be qualified to vote, and be voted upon as, members of the Board of Trustees. All the other XVDs who for obvious or other practical reasons cannot comply with such membership requirements will automatically be deemed and listed as “ASSOCIATE” members, with some minimal duties and responsibilities, such as, attendance at grand reunions, payment of nominal “associate member” dues, support of XVD projects and programs, etc.
In appropriate cases, the Association may also eventually nominate deserving persons as “HONORARY” and even so called “MEMBER-EMERITUS” for past services rendered and distinctive achievements allied to or aligned with the XVD’s mission-vision, goals and objectives.
Most importantly, as with all ailing institutions, there is an urgent need for a fresh mandate and a renewed, stronger commitment from the general membership. There is a need for new blood, fresh ideas, and dedicated members.
“Not gold but only men can make a people strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
stand fast and suffer it all.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly.
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the near future, you can expect to receive this call-to-arms coming from our indefatigable President, Atty. Tyrone Cimafranca. All you need to do is to respond with a vigorous YES - I’m ALL IN. - James D. Lansang
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rossheruela wrote on Dec 8, '08
I have a high respect with the XVD association. In so many ways you helped the SVD... Even an acquaintance, a former Dominican, appreciated your organization. They (ex-OP) would like to establish their own but they did not succeed....
I affirm and support your call. I believe that re-checking, going back to the roots, and re-evaluation are really necessary in every institution for renewal and efficiency. As you do this, in the spirit of our Father and Leader, St. Arnold, rest assure of my prayers..... |
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I just have a simple observation. Action usually arise from constant interest and excitement. That's the secret and key of marketing. Malls sell and draw crowds because of constant and sustained promos, discount sales, celebrity concerts, etc. that target different market each time. Rotaries thrive because of year round projects and incessant activities. Maybe our association could make use of constantly creative program of relevant activities that are announced excitingly. Sorry if this sounds again like another analysis by paralysis (may alzheimer)
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Hi, Kuya JUN, tnx for your comments and suggestions. You are correct. We don't have to re-invent the wheel. What are proposed to be done are in fact the stuff of all "de-cajon" by-laws of non-stock, non-profit corporations. The XVDs just have to learn to be humble enough to accept that that's the law - a product of collective experience, practice, customs and traditions.
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Kuya EPI, you touched a touchy subject. It's true we have been rather sloppy and careless with money matters. But that's only one part of the equation. Let's face it. We're not organized. We don't follow the law nor the rules. We think we know better. At the next GENERAL ASSEMBLY, there will be a simple financial report to be submitted - just to start us off on a clean slate. tnx agn.
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a written report on the project after implementation 
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". However, as usual, who is gonna do it? Who will tie the bell around the cat's neck? Don't you believe we need a few dozen committed members?"
Correct ka Kuya, the key is getting around to choosing the correct committed and creative innovative members. I nominate you to be in it. |
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HAHAHA, Kuya FABS. At my age, I am exempt and excused from doing anything. Like Jaworski, I now have to stay on the sidelines, as a kibitzer, a spectator, a cheerleader, an usisero. It's one of the few luxuries we earned or are entitled to. I can't even qualify as a coach.
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Kuya James - What about being a Member Emeritus, or better still EMERITISSIMUS.
The manifesto [re: F.Palafox case vs SBMA] drafted by Che Carlos (Avila) should be a good start to trigger a renewed commitment, involvement...worth every minute of our time, every ounce of our energy, and even it need be every drop of our blood and sweat. ...wish I were around. |
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Kuya CECIL, tnx but no tnx. I will always remain a REGULAR member of the XVD Association, but exempt from attendance rules as a "senior-active" member. You raise a very timely concern on Jun Palafox. However, I cannot pre-empt the decision/action of our current leaders.
Even when you are not around, your pro-active participation is most appreciated. |
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Kuya BUTCH, our blogs will keep us posted. When the time is ripe, we should have an XVD ASSOCIATION, Inc. - TACLOBAN (or PALO) Chapter.
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multicharlie wrote on Dec 9, '08
Kuya James, seems your piece was like a "call to arms" before we all get engulf in our war of "priorities"...yes, i think it is just a question of where the XVD association lie in our "HEIRARCHYof "PRIORITIES"...and normally priorities are beefed up further by a sense of fulfillment, of joy, of a feeling that we have done our very own little share of a crusade in the company of brother knights...thanks again for your interesting blogs and never tire pricking our mental desktops..
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Kuya CHARLIE - indeed, it was meant to be a "call to arms." However, your humble servant is just a precursor. President TYRONE will promulgate the corresponding Exec. Order very soon. tnx agn. rgards
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Let's circulate this latest blog of Master James among the XVDs all over.
The points raised by Kuya James are valid and should be taken up item by item, with the corresponding specific plan of action on each item/issue raised, XVD member/s-volunteer/s to operationalize/implement, timetable.. All XVDs should support Kuya James' challenge, his call for immediate action for the XVD Association to renew, to reorganize, and for us all to recommit ourselves to the lofty ideals of the association. |
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avilacharles wrote on Dec 9, '08
Kuya Jeems, it gets clearer - kailangan maglabo bago maglinaw, ang exemptions bago ang rules: the Universe is evolving as it should. "Evolving"= "Transforming"= "Morphing" = "Metanoi-ing-in-actu". You are the most conscious part of this living body, we'll exempt you from opus manuale provided you keep blogging us to kingdom come. Now I shall hum for you the Advent hymn: ecce Dominus veniet, et omnes sancti ejus cum eo, et erit in die illa lux magna, alleluia. Mabuhay ka!
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Tnx, Kuya CHARLES, you have always been most kind and perceptive. As you intoned, "Behold, the Lord shall come, and all His Saints with Him; and there shall be in that day a great light, alleluia."
FRATRES, Hora est jam nos de somno surgere: nunc enim propior est nostra salus, quam cum credidimus." Brothers, now is the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed (or sooner than we think). Rom. 13:11 |
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elmersarmiento wrote on Dec 9, '08
The best place to find helping hands is at the end of our arms. Let's meet, decide and move forward. Let's just do it.
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You heard the man. "LET'S JUST DO IT." Tnx, Kuya ELMER. Pls. give us a ringside seat blow-by-blow account of Pacman's triumph in Las Vegas.
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It's a bit belated and perhaps redundant but I could not resist the temptation to join the fray on words. When all is said and done, much more will have been said than done. This seems to be an almost inevitable law of human behaviour, specially in voluntary groups for the simple reason that it's much easier to talk than to walk. For cerebral persons like many of us, a batting average of 10% perspiration and 90% inspiration would be good enough. Of course in the work place it's 99% perspiration (mostly by employees) and 1% inspiration (mainly the bosses). As I liked to say as a parent of growing children years ago and inspired by the Pope, Michael Jordan and Frank Sinatra: "Just Do It . . . My Way!" It was my Rule of Tom, which expired when my children reached 18.
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butchcelestial wrote on Dec 12, '08
In my college days, living in the abandoned house of Mona Shotwell in front of St. Joseph's College with a group of Khi Rho full-timers like Emil Justimbaste (my mentor, tormentor . . . hehehe) was as much 'doing' that I experienced young that I was then ('72). My idealism and 'pro-poor' stance then brought me to 'integration' and live-ins among the farmers in Laguna and Batangas and when 'batas militar' was declared, in Tacloban. No amount of theory or doctrine can compare with that. 'Doing' was the ultimate 'pakikibaka'. I learned early on that to be committed was to live it literally. In prison ('73-'74) and after, we used to 'brag' about our 'exploits' till I came to realize it did not ring true because I was no longer 'doing' it. Nowadays, I always ask (nay, demand) that to live my Christian ideal, I must do it 'consistently'. I put that as an obligation on my part such that if anyone asks me: 'When was the last time you were in prison?' I can answer: 'Last week, when I visited my friends'. Fellow XVD's we cannot demand what is not committed, of course. But each one of us must be committed to Christ and His teaching if we are to be even better than we are now. |
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avilacharles wrote on Dec 12, '08
You, too, Butch, thanks for sharing. Mona would dearly love to know that you re-member.
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Kuya FABS, true to form, you have managed to throw in your eternal query, "SO - PAANO NA, KUYA?" Id est, so what's next, where do we go and what do we do from here? QUO VADIS, XVD? We'll know, soon enough, early next year when President Tyrone calls for a General Assembly. See you then, and there.
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Thanks, Kuya KAKA. I suggest we distribute the material during our Xmas Party, together with President TYRONE's covering letter calling for a GENERAL ASSEMBLY. tnx agn for your initiative.
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Herman Viloria & I are trying to mobilize PAX-SVD International to sign up and get involved in our current crusade - to back up our fellow XVD Jun Palafox in his fight to save those invaluable trees, dangerously near extinction, a remaining few of our natural wealth.
Hope you'll hear more from the PAX-SVD International members shortly. We welcome any suggestions as to what else we can do more than just signing up. (Prayers & sacrifices obviously not to be taken for granted,).Let's get moving. |
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terrybriones220 wrote on Dec 29, '08
yes my dear brothers, as kuya james mentioned that we are excellent analyzers with surgical precisions on that.i was really amazed and just say WOW commendo spiritum meum.just to share some few guidelines of what we follow as manus group to start with. i know this is not a very ideal method,but we just follow what our hearts dictates when we were seminarians to be missionaries. so we wrote our visions and missions,and we calendared our acivities quarterly so we can execute and carry on that mission.we have categorized our funcions as social,corporal and religious activities i.e. retreats,visita ecclesia via cruxis,for more mission we go to calapan for the mangyan,tingguians in abra or give donations to bukid kabataan or to some parishes run by the svd.we have been doing this since 1990 up to now, and i hope with this litlle help or sharing that i made will spark some creative minds out there where this xvd associations will lead us.so brothers as i feel and read all your letters and replies, vox populi vox dei.let's do it.
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